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| − | [[Image:Karmapa5.jpg|right|260px|thumb|[[Deshin Shekpa, 5th Karmapa Lama|Deshin Shekpa]], wearing the Black Crown]] | + | #REDIRECT[[The Black Crown]] |
| − | The Black Crown (Tibetan: ཞྭ་ནག་, Wylie: Zhwa-nag) is an important symbol of the [[Karmapa]], the [[Lama]] that heads the [[Kagyu]] school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. The crown signifies his [[Power]] to benefit all [[Sentient beings]]. A corresponding crown, the Red Crown, is worn by the [[Shamarpa]]. The [[Tai Situpa]] and the [[Goshir Gyaltsab]] also wear red crowns. | |
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| − | Legend tells that in a previous eon, in a former [[Life]] as an accomplished yogi, the [[Karmapa]] attained the eighth level or [[Bhumi]] of the bodhisattvas. At this time, 100,000 [[Dakinis]] (female [[Buddhas]]) manifested their [[Hair]] as a crown, and offered it to the [[Karmapa]] as a symbol of his accomplishment.
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| − | [[Dusum Khyenpa]], the [[1st Karmapa]], was regarded as an emanation of that yogi and his appearance was predicted by [[THE historical Buddha]] [[Shakyamuni]] in the [[Samadhiraja Sutra]]:
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| − | : A [[Bodhisattva]] with the lion's roar will appear. He will use the [[Power]] he achieved in deep meditation to benefit countless beings. By seeing, hearing, touching or thinking of him, they will be led to [[Happiness]]
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| − | ==Origin==
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| − | The Karmapas were traditionally the teachers of the successive Ming Dynasty Emperors of China. When the [[5th Karmapa]], Dezhin Shegpa, met the Chinese Emperor Yung Lo, the Emperor, through his devotion and spiritual realization, was able to perceive [[Karmapa]] in the Sambhogakaya form of Vajradhara (Tib. Dorje Chang), wearing a black crown on his head. The [[Karmapa]] explained to the Emperor that he could see the 'Vajra Crown', the [[Power]]-field of [[Wisdom]]-energy that always stays above the [[Karmapa]]'s head. The emperor offered to have a physical replica made so that others could receive its [[Blessing]].
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| − | A crown encrusted with precious stones and topped by a huge ruby was commissioned, and using this, the [[5th Karmapa]] started the tradition of the Black Crown Ceremony which was performed by successive [[Karmapa]] incarnations up to the time of the [[16th Karmapa]], [[Rangjung Rigpe Dorje]].
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| − | ==Ceremony==
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| − | In preparation for the ceremony the [[Karmapa]] meditates to become inseparable with [[Chenrezig]], [[The Buddha]] of [[Compassion]]. A mandala offering is made, followed by the seven branch prayer. This is to accumulate good impressions for the ceremony that ensues. The [[Karmapa]] then places the crown on his head while reciting the mantra 'Om Mani Peme Hung', transmitting blessings to each participant in the ceremony to the extent that they are capable of receiving them. It is said that by merely seeing of the Black Crown during the ceremony, one will become the first [[Bhumi]] [[Bodhisattva]] within three lifespans. This is one of the key reasons why the Black Crown is so important to [[Kagyu]] lineage.
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| − | ==Recent developments==
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| − | In the early 1960s, the [[16th Karmapa]] brought the Black Crown and other valuable relics of the [[Kagyu]] lineage to [[Rumtek]] monastery in Sikkim. They remained there in safekeeping until 1993 following the [[16th Karmapa]]’s [[Death]]. The ensuing split in his lineage caused a conflict at the monastery between supporters of the two rival claimants for the title of [[Karmapa]]. Since that time, it is said that many valuable items have disappeared from the cloister. On July 5, 2004, the Indian Supreme Court delivered a final [[Judgement]] to grant [[Rumtek]] monastery to the [[Karmapa]] Charitable Trust, principal supporters of Thaye Dorje, one of the rival candidates for the title of [[17th Karmapa]]. Since then an inventory of valuables is being prepared. The location and integrity of the Black Crown is currently unknown.
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| − | {{R}}
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| − | [[Wikipedia:Black Crown]]
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| − | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]]
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| − | [[Category:Karmapas]]
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| − | __NOTOC__
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| − | [[Category:Karma Kagyu]]
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